Weaning Variability in Semi-Free-Ranging Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate variability in the weaning behaviours of Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) mothers and their infants and to attempt to define factors contributing to this variability. The marked level of variability in maternal weaning behaviours was unrelated to traditional sociological factors, such as the rank, parity, age and number of immature offspring of the mother, and the sex of the infant. The only variability in the weaning behaviours of the infants occurred in the rates of distress and attempts at nipple contact, which were positively related to maternal rejection. The oestrous state of the mother was the one factor which could be used to predict a significant increase in the level of maternal rejection, and different behavioural tendencies in the infants.